The 2012 graduating class in Respiratory Care received their pins in ceremonies held this week at LSU Eunice. Eleven graduates were honored at the annual pinning ceremony after spending four semesters in the top-ranked program in Louisiana.

Honored during the ceremony were Miller and Derouen, who earned the program's top awards. Miller received the Scholastic Achievement Award which is given to the student with the highest grade point average in the class. Derouen earned the Distinguished Student Award, which is selected by class members and honors the student who is a role model for others in the program.

LSU Eunice alumnus and Director of Respiratory Therapy at Lake Charles Memorial Hospital, Anna Naquin, addressed the students telling them "we have a proud profession and I want to welcome you to it."

The university's Respiratory Care program is one of the top in the nation, consistently having a 100 percent pass rate on national board exams.

LSU Eunice is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate degrees. Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097, at http://www.sacscoc.org , or call 404-679-4500, for questions about the accreditation of LSU Eunice.

LSU Eunice is an affirmative action/equal opportunity educator and employer.